Mundra Port, India’s largest commercial port and the flagship of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), has successfully handled the first shipment of hi-tech locomotives bound for Morebaya, Guinea in Western Africa. The milestone underscores the synergy of Indian manufacturing, advanced logistics, and the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
The four state-of-the-art locomotives, manufactured at Wabtec Locomotive Pvt Ltd’s plant in Marhowrah, Bihar, were shipped on vessel MV BBC WASHINGTON. This marks the beginning of a planned series of 150 locomotives to be exported by Wabtec Corporation, the Pittsburgh-headquartered global leader in rail and transit solutions, through Mundra Port.
The locomotives, designed for standard gauge (1.435 meters) operations as required by the overseas buyer, undergo a meticulous bogie conversion process at Mundra Port. Since they travel from Bihar on India’s broad-gauge network, APSEZ leverages its Agri Park rail siding to switch the bogies using heavy-duty cranes and hydraulic trailers before final inspection and safe vessel loading.
“This highly technical operation not only requires precision engineering but also highlights Mundra Port’s unique capabilities in handling sophisticated, high-value industrial cargo, reflecting APSEZ’s commitment to world-class service standards,” an APSEZ official said.
The initiative will see one to two locomotives exported each month, positioning India as a trusted partner in the global rail equipment market while boosting domestic manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework.
Industry officials noted that the project demonstrates the strength of India’s integrated supply chain—from Bihar’s manufacturing hubs to Gujarat’s port infrastructure—and serves as a model for other industrial sectors. “By exporting advanced locomotives, India sends a strong message that its engineering and logistics systems are ready to compete globally,” the official added.
Beyond locomotives, the operation highlights Mundra Port’s preparedness for complex exports across sectors, including heavy machinery and industrial equipment, showcasing how private sector infrastructure complements national industrial ambitions.
As shipments continue, the initiative is expected to further cement India’s position as a world-class manufacturing and export hub, taking the “Made in India” promise to global markets.